Geochemical features of fossil fuel contaminants found in urban wastes (Siemianowice Śląskie, Poland)

Anna Wojtoń,Monika Fabiańska

doi:10.2478/v10002-011-0003-x

Abstract

Geochemical features of fossil fuel contaminants found in urban wastes (Siemianowice Śląskie, Poland)In sludge samples collected in the "Centrum" wastewater treatment plant in Siemianowice Śląskie, Poland, the composition of aliphatic- and aromatic hydrocarbons and polar compound fractions were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Samples collected in accordance with Polish standards were extracted, the extracts were separated into fractions with preparative thin layer chromatography (TLC), which next were investigated by GC-MS. The following compound groups of the geochemical origin were identified:n-alkanes in the range ofn-C14ton-C.39, acyclic isoprenoids (mainly pristane and phytane), steranes, tri- and pentacyclic triterpanes. Based on the distribution of biomarkers and their parameters, it was established that the dominant component of extractable organic matter in sluge is petroleum material of an unspecified origin. Its geochemical features indicate that its most likely source was crude oil (or its products) of a relatively high degree of thermal maturity (catagenic stage of thermal evolution corresponding to vitrinite reflectance 0.7-0.8%). Aromatic hydrocarbons probably originated from petroleum also, though some of them can be attributed to the products of combustion or to sources such as bituminous coals, the ash from coal/biofuel combustion or coal wastes stored nearby.

Highlights

The progress of civilization and industrial activity leads to substantial increases in volumes of industrial and municipal waste
Aromatic compounds (PAHs) can come from petroleum or any source related to fuel combustion
There are two main sources: crude oil derived material and biological organic wastes, most probably from domestic sources. Compounds such as n-alkanes, pentacyclic triterpanes, and steranes come from the first source, whereas most polar compounds such as fatty acids and their esters, from the second

Summary

Introduction

The progress of civilization and industrial activity leads to substantial increases in volumes of industrial and municipal waste. This creates serious social and environmental problems associated with the many adverse effects of waste on the environment. Various methods of effective waste management are needed. Wastewaters are liquids, solutions, colloids or suspensions, and solids discharged by pipelines into natural receivers, which may be reservoirs or watercourses, ditches, etc. Mechanical, chemical, and biological methods are used to purify industrial and domestic wastes discharged in this way

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